Joshua Hall

To help offset recent federal funding cuts, $1.55 million in state funding will be used to support the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant program, helping to ensure continued access to Connecticut Grown products for food-insecure residents.

Eligible entities for the grants include food pantries, municipalities, community health centers, and nonprofits. They can apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $301,000.

The program not only increases access to fresh, locally grown food, it supports Connecticut farmers and the state’s agricultural economy. 

Food insecurity remains a serious challenge in the state, impacting about 10% of residents, including more than 100,000 children. Since 2022, the program has enabled its statewide partners to purchase more than $5.6 million in products from 166 producers, distributing food through roughly 500 organizations across 121 cities and towns.

Entities can apply online for the grant program here. Grant applications must be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture by March 11.

Access to nutritious, locally grown food should be available to every family. This important program helps reduce the obstacles many residents face to finding healthy foods, while at the same time supports our Connecticut farming industry.